Chichibu Mitsumine Shrine and Nagatoro River Boat Course

Chichibu is a region blessed with mountains and rivers, where both faith and nature have thrived since ancient times. This course lets you enjoy the high altitude Mitsumine Shrine and the Nagatoro river boat ride down a clear stream in a single day. Because the travel is long, an early start is best.

Course Route

8:30 Start at Seibu Chichibu Station Head to Mitsumine Shrine by bus or car. The mountain road climbs, so leave with time to spare.

9:45 Visit Mitsumine Shrine This shrine sits at over one thousand meters. The air is clear, and a sea of clouds sometimes spreads below.

11:30 Come down for lunch Return to central Chichibu and fuel up on the local waraji cutlet or soba.

13:30 Travel to Nagatoro Move to the Nagatoro area by train or car, enjoying the valley scenery on the way.

14:30 Ride the Nagatoro river boat A boatman steers you down the rapids of the Arakawa River. The thrill of the spray is part of the charm.

15:30 Stroll the rock terraces to finish After the boat ride, wander the flat rocks along the riverbank to close out the day.

Highlights

Mitsumine Shrine is a rare shrine that honors the wolf as a guardian, and its deep mountain setting creates a mysterious mood. The Nagatoro boat ride lets you view valley scenery that changes with the seasons from the surface of the water. The fresh greenery of spring and the autumn colors are especially popular.

Access and Tips

Seibu Chichibu Station is the base. The bus to Mitsumine Shrine takes over an hour, so check the timetable in advance. The Chichibu Railway is convenient for reaching Nagatoro. To cover both in one day, a relaxed plan with plenty of time is important.

A Quick Tip

There is a temperature gap between the mountains and the river. Bringing an extra layer gives peace of mind. The boat ride can leave you wet, so a change of clothes makes things comfortable.